What neighborhood and home features are important to you? Families with young children may gravitate toward family-friendly neighborhoods with numerous school options, access to parks and youth enrichment opportunities, while active seniors may prefer an age-restricted community that promotes a quiet, child-free lifestyle. Making a list of the key quality of life features that are important to you is a good starting place for determining the kind of home that is best suited for your needs.

Do you prefer a new or resale property? Brand-new homes offer the feeling of a fresh start and often give you the opportunity to customize your home to meet your personal tastes; resale homes, on the other hand, can offer the security of an established neighborhood and mature landscaping. Your Realtor can help you determine the pros and cons of each kind of home.

For families with young children, home buying is often predicated on the quality and type of schools in a given area. Las Vegas presents a unique educational matrix. You can learn more about schools in the areas you are considering by visiting the Clark County School District website at ccsd.net. By typing a home address into the site's school zone search engine, you can pull up detailed reports about the schools in any given area of the valley. The reports will provide specific information on test scores, socio-economic and ethnic breakdown and schools that have special programs and merits.

The commute time to and from work is often a deciding factor for relocating professionals. You may want to focus on neighborhoods in close proximity to your place of business or housing that is within close access to a major freeway interchange.

Do you have a green thumb and a knack for desert landscaping or do you prefer the ease-of-care that comes with townhome or condo living?

Do you want to be close to mountains, lakes or in a hot entertainment spot? Do you like the look and feel of a master-planned community or do you prefer a more rural lifestyle? Taking a tour of new and established neighborhoods will help you get a feel for each area of the valley and the unique characteristics of each community.

• Tax breaks: The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage and your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.
• Equity: Money paid for rent is money that you will never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
• Savings: Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. When you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
• Predictability: Unlike rent, a fixed-mortgage payment does not increase over the years. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs may change over time.
• Freedom: The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and enjoy your investment for as long as you own the house.
• Stability: Residing in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities and allows your family time to establish lasting friendships.

Online resources: To calculate whether buying is the best financial option for you, use the "Buy vs. Rent" calculator at GinnieMae.gov.

Renting affords new residents the chance to live in and get a feel for a particular community prior to purchasing a home. It also serves as a viable option for those waiting for a new home to be constructed or for those in the city on a short-term or semi-permanent basis.

Residents can rent a variety of properties in Southern Nevada, from short-term hotel-style properties to upscale mansions. Of course, apartments remain the most popular type of rental property. With numerous apartment communities in Southern Nevada, residents can select the location, the amenities and the price that suits their needs.

Some things to consider before you sign a rental agreement:

• The renter almost always pays utility costs, although this can be negotiated when dealing with an individual landlord or property management company.
• Pets are accepted at many properties, but a pet deposit is usually required in addition to other standard deposits. Pet restrictions may apply on breed and weight.
• Move-in deposits will run from $250 to one month's rent. The standard lease is six months; however, three-month leases are available at some properties.

Free apartment finding services and free apartment/rental publications (available at grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores) can be beneficial in helping renters find the right accommodations.

Apartment rentals in Las Vegas offer some of the most impressive amenities imaginable. Most local apartment communities include balconies or patios, cable-ready outlets, emergency maintenance, laundry facilities, outdoor pools, hot tubs and spas. Many also have tennis courts, basketball facilities, billiard rooms, playgrounds and fitness facilities. Some apartments feature luxurious clubhouses with flat screen televisions, executive business centers, parking garages, sundecks, gazebos, elevators and video-monitored limited entries.

Interior features considered standard for most apartments include heating, air conditioning, mini-blinds, ceiling fans, fully-equipped kitchens with a dishwasher, washer and dryer and multiple phone lines. Other features often include 9-foot ceilings, crown molding, oval garden tubs, bay windows, fireplaces or garages and/or covered parking. Some communities have resident programs that include free and optional services such as maids, concierges, fitness classes, guest suites for visitors, free shuttle services and car detail centers.

Finding the perfect apartment starts with developing a checklist of things you want in your rental property.

• Location
• Size
• Security features
• Access to laundry facilities
• Proximity to stores and schools
• Parking availability
• Ease of access to public transportation
• Amenities
• Term of lease
• Pet policy

Compare various properties using the checklist and see which one best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Comparing Different Areas of the Valley

While Las Vegas has always been revered for its exciting nightlife, upscale dining, retail and entertainment offerings have taken the city to a new level. Las Vegas is also coming into its own with the expansion of non-gaming industries, bringing high-tech companies, notable educational and medical research facilities and cultural arts offerings to the table.

With a population estimated at more than 252,000, Henderson has evolved from a small suburb of Las Vegas into a flourishing community. Created for Basic Magnesium Inc.'s defense plants during World War II, Henderson is now home to award-winning master-planned communities, a revitalized downtown business hub and an array of parks, recreational facilities and dining and retail options.

While some confuse North Las Vegas with the "northern part" of Las Vegas, this burgeoning area is an independent city unto itself. With a population of more than 200,000, several successful master-planned communities have fueled economic development in North Las Vegas by attracting new business and retail amenities to the area. A proactive city government has led the way in creating a technology hub in the area. The city is home to the bulk of Southern Nevada's manufacturing, technology, distribution and industrial facilities.

This sprawling area of the valley is home to both established neighborhoods and some of the area's most popular master-planned and retirement communities. It also features popular entertainment options including the District at Green Valley Ranch, the Henderson Parks and Recreation Department's Multigenerational Center and Outdoor Amphitheater.

Southeast Las Vegas is home to several new elementary, middle and high schools and has easy access to other areas of the valley through convenient access to Interstate 215 and U.S. Highway 95. The area is within close proximity to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City and Hoover Dam. Some of the valley's southeast communities include Anthem, Green Valley Ranch, Lake Las Vegas and Seven Hills.

Most locals refer to the entire northwestern portion of Las Vegas as "Summerlin," the award-winning Howard Hughes master-planned community that established this region of the valley. However, this area has grown to include an abundance of residential amenities, including upscale dining, shopping and recreational opportunities. Summerlin is still a mainstay of the region, but housing options now range from condominiums and age-restricted communities to elite guard-gated custom homes.

The valley's largest assemblage of golf courses can be found in the northwest. Courses include the Badlands, Painted Desert, Los Prados and Angel Park. Shopping options include the Meadows Mall, Boca Park and the Sahara Pavilion Oasis, as well as a number of trendy strip centers. Several neighborhood casinos, such as Santa Fe Station, Suncoast, Fiesta Rancho, Texas Station and Red Rock Resort offer fine dining and gaming. Select neighborhoods in the northwest valley include Centennial Village, Desert Shores and Queensridge.

This upscale golf course village provides housing ranging from multi-family luxury apartments and single-family homes to executive estates and custom mansions. Designed around the championship TPC (Tournament Players Club) Las Vegas, residents enjoy spectacular views of the golf course and the adjacent Red Rock Conservation Area.

This guard-gated golf course community includes oversized home lots, golf course frontage and a variety of upscale housing options, ranging from luxury town homes to multimillion dollar custom estates. Residents enjoy access to the TPC Summerlin golf course, which was designed with the input of golf legend "Fuzzy" Zoeller, and the TPC Clubhouse, a private facility with a restaurant, lounge, swimming pools and sports courts.

Northeast Las Vegas has become home to several significant master-planned communities over the past several years. Notable neighborhoods in the northeast valley include Aliante and Eldorado.

Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, unincorporated Laughlin is situated on the banks of the Colorado River at the three-corner region joining Nevada, California and Arizona. This resort destination boasts a number of attractions and golf courses. Housing options in Laughlin include single-family homes, condos and town houses, apartments and mobile homes. There are 10 resorts and more than 11,000 hotel rooms in Laughlin.

Mesquite is quickly growing in popularity as a favorite getaway destination for many Las Vegans. Mesquite has a municipal airport, a fine arts center, recreation and senior centers, a museum, an arboretum, rodeo grounds and a city parks and trails system. In addition, there are several nearby national and state parks, as well as a number of golf courses, spas and resorts.

Located about 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston (sometimes called Charleston Peak) is located in the Spring Mountains in the Toiyabe National Forest. A 45-minute drive north of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston offers residents the opportunity to snow ski from November through April at Lee Canyon. The mountain community includes rustic custom homes with scenic views surrounded by lush greenery. A trail system provides opportunities for hiking, camping and other activities that can be enjoyed year-round.

Located 50 miles west of the south end of Las Vegas and 60 miles east of Death Valley, Pahrump is home to several major housing developments. To serve the growing population, the city has attracted several chain retail outlets, five full-service casinos and a wide variety of independent shops and commercial enterprises.

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial investments most people make in their lifetime. A REALTOR^® can help you make it an enjoyable, hassle-free experience. Remember, not all real estate licensees are the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the National Association of Realtors are properly called REALTORS^®. They proudly display the REALTOR^® logo on business cards and other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS^® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS^® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a high level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate.

Your REALTOR^® can help you determine your buying power - that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR^® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you.

Your agent has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties that meet your specific criteria. Your agent can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents have access to a variety of informational resources. Agents can provide information on utilities, zoning, schools and local amenities. They can also help you decide whether a particular property will provide the environment you want for a home or investment and whether the property is likely to have a good resale value when you are ready to sell it.

Your agent can help you negotiate purchase price and terms. There are many factors that play a role in the negotiation process, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.

Your REALTOR^® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. This could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, mold, faulty structure, roof condition, plumbing and air conditioning, just to name a few. Your REALTOR^® can assist you in finding qualified, responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports.

Your REALTOR^® will help you access a preliminary report on the title of the property you're interested in buying. Your agent, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

Your REALTOR^® can help you understand different financing options and identify qualified lenders, guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job?
While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate, like many other professions, is mostly learned on the job.

What designations do you hold?
Designations such as GRI and CRS (which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training) are held by only about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.

Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction?
While it is usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it is important to understand where the practitioner's obligations are.

Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs and help with other things I need done?
Because REALTORS^® are immersed in the industry, they are wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction?
Do you want updates twice a week or do you not want to be bothered unless there is a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail or a personal visit?

Could you give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients?
Ask recent clients if they would work with this REALTOR^® again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up and work ethic of the REALTOR^®.